Gary McNett: If Carter’s not in it, check your image of heaven

Re “Carter nothing but an old socialist” (Letters, Sept. 2): To call a man like Jimmy Carter – Navy veteran, governor of Georgia and president of the United States – “not pro-American” is a sign of the most profound ignorance.

The same letter writer also called Carter “a socialist,” no doubt because of his work ensuring honest elections, human rights and access to health care in countries with questionable political climates (which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize), and his efforts for Habitat for Humanity helping provide homes for the disadvantaged. I would imagine Jesus, who also championed the poor and helpless, would also be considered a socialist by such sorry standards.

Exactly why this person made these comments isn’t known, as he didn’t deem it necessary to provide any facts to back up his accusations.

The most vile insult was to accuse of Carter of “trying to sneak into heaven.” If the writer doesn’t believe a man like President Carter, who has served his country and family (and wife of 69 years), and who is facing a dire medical prognosis with great strength and bravery, is to be warmly welcomed into heaven, then perhaps it’s the writer’s concept of heaven that is flawed, not Carter.

This story was originally published September 3, 2015 at 2:37 PM with the headline "Gary McNett: If Carter’s not in it, check your image of heaven."